Effect of MALL on the Acquisition of Word Stress Patterns of English by Iranian EFL Learners: The Case of Telegram

Abstract

This study investigated the role of Telegram, a mobile messenger app, in mastering word stress patterns of English by Iranian EFL learners. In addition, it was intended to survey EFL learners' attitude about using Telegram to learn word stress patterns. Thus, 60 students were selected from a language institute in Isfahan, Iran. To homogenize the participants, Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT) was administered and the participants were divided into two groups accordingly, a Telegram group and a control group. At the beginning of the study, a word stress pattern pre-test was given to the participants. Then, during the study, the experimental group received the treatment (teaching word stress patterns via Telegram). However, the control group received explanation on stress patterns traditionally. After 10 sessions, 20 minutes each, a post-test was administered to the groups. The results of independent samples t-test revealed a statistically significant difference. Moreover, the participants had positive attitude about using Telegram to learn word stress patterns. The findings of this study may inspire teachers to use mobile applications and also course developers to modify and improve not only the curriculum, but also the methodology of teaching pronunciation.